LEARNER DRIVERS should be tested on energy efficiency as part of their test under plans to cut transport emissions and save motorists money, a leading business group has urged.

The CBI said energy-efficient driving should become a mandatory part of the driving test so learners can show they can drive smoothly and adopt more efficient motoring techniques.

The move would help cut carbon emissions and result in fuel savings of 5-10%, the equivalent of up to £250 a year in savings, it was claimed.

Dr Neil Bentley, the CBI's director of business environment, said: "More than a quarter of the UK's greenhouse gases come from personal transport, half of which are from cars. Making small changes to the way we all drive will reduce carbon emissions and could save motorists up to £250 a year.

"Simply changing gears more smoothly to avoid sharp breaking and acceleration can reduce fuel consumption by a third. Learner drivers already have to demonstrate they can drive in a fuel-efficient way during the course of their driving test, but this is not a pass or fail element.

"Making energy-efficient driving techniques a mandatory part of the test will make a significant contribution to changing the next generation of motorists' behaviour, and to cutting transport emissions."

The CBI also suggested moves to improve energy efficiency in the home, including a scrappage scheme for white goods such as fridges and washing machines.